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Related Concept Videos

Introduction to Psychological Disorders01:19

Introduction to Psychological Disorders

Abnormal behavior, often referred to as mental illness, results from changes in brain function that influence thought patterns, behaviors, and social interactions. Psychologists and psychiatrists typically assess abnormal behavior using three primary criteria: deviance, maladaptation, and personal distress, particularly when these traits persist over long periods.
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Dissociative Identity Disorder01:30

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Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously termed multiple personality disorder, is a complex psychological condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states. Each identity exhibits unique patterns of behavior, voice, and mannerisms and may possess separate memories and emotional responses. The alternating control between identities can result in memory gaps and challenges in recalling daily activities, often exacerbating the individual's...
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Modeling in Therapy

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Participant Modeling
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Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
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Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
Classification of Illness01:17

Classification of Illness

The meaning of illness is individualized to each person who experiences an alteration in health. In contrast, disease is a medical term indicating a pathological change in the structure and function of the body or mind. It is a condition that has specific symptoms and boundaries.
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Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice
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Self-injurious behavior: differential diagnosis and functional differentiation.

Laurence Claes1, Walter Vandereycken

  • 1Department of Psychology, Catholic University Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. laurence.claes@psy.kuleuven.be

Comprehensive Psychiatry
|February 13, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Self-injury and self-harm are distinct behaviors. This study differentiates self-injurious behavior (SIB) from other self-harming actions using a diagnostic flowchart and explores its pathological or meaningful psychosocial functions.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • The terms

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the distinction between self-injury and self-harm.
  • To propose a specific delineation of self-injurious behavior (SIB).
  • To explore the conceptualization of SIB as pathology versus meaningful behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and conceptual analysis.
  • Development of a flowchart for differential diagnosis of SIB.
  • Comparison of structuralist and functionalist theoretical approaches.

Main Results:

  • Self-injury and self-harm are not synonymous and require precise definition.
  • A diagnostic flowchart is proposed to differentiate SIB from other self-harming behaviors.
  • SIB can be conceptualized as a symptom/syndrome or as behavior with psychosocial functions.

Conclusions:

  • Clearer definitions and diagnostic criteria are needed for self-injurious behavior.
  • Understanding the psychosocial functions of SIB is crucial for effective intervention.
  • Distinguishing SIB from other self-harming behaviors aids in accurate assessment and treatment.